Extracurricular involvement alongside your studies? Why would I do that?

For many, the decision for or against studying is hard enough. In addition to studying, take on a further responsibility in the form of an extracurricular engagement, for example with a student association? Absolutely!

What are the advantages for me if I invest my time – perhaps even in addition to a job –and that also free of charge?

There are countless forms of extracurricular activities offered at universities and colleges of applied sciences, be it membership of a student council, a student association that focuses on organising events with professional input, a book circle or building a program, as we do with the Guidance Mentoring Program. The social and personal added value is difficult to compare with a wage or ECTS points, as it is simply not measurable.

Activities in addition to your studies, especially in professional associations, can be a cornerstone that determines many further developments and can have a lasting influence on your own future path. An important point here is networking, in all its facets. Even if you don’t see the potential in a new contact at the first moment, there is a very high probability that at a later point in time, you will be able to come back to exactly that one person. The 1x1 of good networking is very easy: be open, find common points of interest and, above all,

network existing platforms. This way you can build up a broad network very easily and quickly, which will bring you benefits in every respect when you start your career after your studies. Especially the often missing practical relevance in the course of studies can be an obstacle to finding a job later or make the process significantly more difficult. If you have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have learned during your studies and to test it, so to speak, this can only be beneficial, right?

Exceptional commitment does not “only” bring you the countless benefits, you are also often considered responsible, committed and motivated by the employer.

However, the social factor must not be overlooked, which for many is even a decisive factor. Often you find yourself in your own bubble during your studies, with the same people, the same subject, the same sequence. A different environment can often provide a very valuable insight into other subjects, and it is also good for the personality to learn to deal with different characters and – which should not be overlooked – to work with people with whom you don’t get along 100% or share an opinion. This happens very often in everyday professional life, it can also happen in a student association, but one learns very quickly to deal with such situations and possible conflicts well and above all to be tolerant.

In conclusion, it can be said, above all from personal experience, that it pays off in every respect to take advantage of the opportunities offered for extracurricular engagement. It benefits everyone in a different way and it also takes something different for each person. Just try!